The Truth about Sugar Shock

An interview with the author

Author, holistic health counselor and journalist Connie Bennett joined us recently to discuss her new book Sugar Shock, which she co-wrote with cardiologist Dr. Stephen T. Sinatra.

Sugar Shock is a fascinating and insightful look at hypoglycemia and other conditions caused by eating sugar and refined carbohydrates.

Connie interviewed some 250 nutritionists, researchers and doctors to provide readers with a better understanding of the dangers of sugar. Sugar Shock reveals “the sour truth about sugar” and discusses the benefits of kicking the habit.

Q: Was it difficult for you to quit sugar and simple carbs cold turkey?

CB: It didn’t happen overnight and at times I had what I felt were some pretty intense withdrawal symptoms because I had been so hooked on sweets. I was not taking in enough quality foods. I would not eat healthy foods and then would overcompensate with sweets and refined carbs, so I was basically malnourished. But [when I stopped] all my symptoms basically went away and all of a sudden I had more energy, I could concentrate better, I could focus better and my moods were a lot more level and some strange ailments, like having cold hands and feet, all went away. It was really remarkable.

Q: How do people become sugar addicts?

CB: There are several components that come into play. First off, you have to bear in mind that no matter where you go you are going to be frequently enticed by sugary foods and drinks. You cannot escape this. You are going to have donuts calling out to you. You will have to pass by candies linked to whatever holiday is currently in vogue. For instance, I recently went to the drugstore in my neighborhood and you couldn’t help but notice a HUGE display of Easter candies. People are regularly enticed and entrapped. One expert who I talked to – Kelly Brownell - noted that we are born into a toxic environment that just won’t let us go.

Q: How can people get over their sugar additions and fight cravings?

CB: If you are an alcoholic you can stop drinking, but you can’t just stop eating food. You have to make choices every day. You have to think about what you will eat at the next meal, you have to think about what you will eat for the next snack. The other part is convenience. We are hectic, fast paced people living in a technological society, so the foods that are easy to eat are the packaged, processed foods. You are inevitably going to be eating sugary foods, and if you are not eating sugary foods you are going to be eating processed foods or foods that I call much-like-sugar-carbs, foods like chips and pretzels or fast foods on white flour buns.

The first step to getting over a sugar habit or a curb habit is to recognize it. I know from my own experience that coming to terms that I had a problem was a big step in the right direction. I encourage people to do some sugary soul searching. As a journalist you have to answer the what, where, why, when and how. I just invite people to apply most of those questions to their sugar habits. So, when do you find that sweets call out to you the most? Are you tired, angry, frustrated, overwhelmed, depressed, hurt…when do you do it? Why do you do it? What do you go for? Some people go for comfort foods. Some people go for ice cream while others go for chips. For me it was hard candies and licorice. Once you do sugary soul searching you pave the way to the next step which is to see yourself free.